New Jersey Enacts Statewide Ban on Sweepstakes Casinos

New Jersey Signs Law Banning Dual-Currency Sweepstakes Casinos

New Jersey has become the latest state to outlaw the sweepstakes casino model, according to PlayUSA. Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill A5447 into law on August 3, 2026, according to PlayUSA, following passage in the General Assembly by a 69-10 vote on June 30, 2026, and in the Senate by a 34-5 vote on July 27, 2026, per PlayUSA. The legislation is now designated P.L. 2026, c. 128, PlayUSA reported.

The law defines and prohibits dual-currency sweepstakes casino games in cases where an entry fee or payment is required to play, according to PlayUSA. This dual-currency structure, typically involving both free-to-play "Gold Coins" and redeemable "Sweeps Coins," has been the operating model for most sweepstakes casino platforms in the United States.

Industry Opposition Preceded the Vote

Before the bill's enactment, an eleven-member operator coalition organized through the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance publicly lobbied against the measure, calling it government overreach, according to PlayUSA. Lawmakers proceeded with the ban despite that opposition, PlayUSA reported.

Part of a Broader 2025-2026 Legislative Trend

New Jersey's move adds another major East Coast gambling market to a growing list of states restricting the sweepstakes casino format, joining neighbors New York and Connecticut, which have already acted against the dual-currency model. Nationally, the trend has accelerated through 2025 and 2026. Oklahoma's ban is scheduled to take effect November 1, 2026, following a veto override of SB 1589, according to Lexology. Louisiana's ban, built on racketeering-based statutory grounds, is set to take effect August 1, 2026, per Lexology's reporting.

As of July 2026, sweepstakes casinos could not legally operate in 14 U.S. states due to statutory bans and enforcement actions, according to Lines.com.

A Note on Conflicting Dates

Some secondary aggregator coverage has referenced a similarly numbered New Jersey bill, also called "A5447," tied to 2025 dates and an August 2025 signing. That reporting appears to reflect either a distinct earlier legislative action or a dating discrepancy among those sources. This article relies on PlayUSA's account, which presents internally consistent 2026 vote tallies and a signing date, as the primary basis for its claims.

What This Means for Players

What happens to my existing Sweeps Coins balance?

Based on how other states have handled similar bans, operators are expected to restrict new signups, deposits, and gameplay for New Jersey-based accounts. Players with existing Sweeps Coins balances should watch for direct communications from their platforms about redemption windows before access is cut off, though the exact timing has not been confirmed in reporting reviewed for this article.

When will the New Jersey ban actually take effect for players?

The enforcement timeline and any wind-down period have not been fully detailed in available coverage. Players in New Jersey should treat specifics of enforcement as subject to confirmation from individual operators and the state's Division of Gaming Enforcement rather than settled in every detail.

Will other states follow New Jersey's example?

Given the pace of legislative activity in 2025 and 2026, including reported bans in Oklahoma and Louisiana, according to Lexology, additional states could reportedly consider similar restrictions. Any such future action would need to be confirmed through official state legislative records as it develops.

Who can I contact if sweepstakes casino play has become a problem?

Sweepstakes casino play is intended for those 18+ (21+ in some jurisdictions). Players who feel their gaming habits are becoming a problem can contact 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET for confidential support.